Bertha Armyworm – Mamestra configurata

Bertha Armyworm   Scientific Name:  Mamestra configurata Common Name: Bertha armyworm Appearance:  Bertha armyworm is a grey-coloured moth with black, white, and olive scales. The forewing ranges from 15 to 18mm in size, with distinct white scales on the inner side and a kidney-shaped mark on the upper side. Its larva is approximately 40mm long, with a black or brown-coloured body. Host Plants or Food: Bertha armyworm is commonly found on canola, cabbage, broccoli, and bell pepper plants. It is also seen on small grains, where it completely defoliates the plant species. Territory: Throughout North America Mode of Damage:  The larva is basically a leaf chewer; hence it feeds on the foliage and only leaves behind the veins and petioles. As it grows into an adult, it also starts feeding on the pods and defoliates the entire plant. Habits and Life History: Bertha beetworm is most commonly found in canola fields and crops. The females lay eggs in groups on the leaves, where they hatch into larvae in 4 to 8 days. Its larva may stay on the same plant or move to another by dangling through silk threads. After 5 to 6 weeks of feeding, the larvae drop into the soil, where it turns into a pupa. Since it cannot tolerate cold temperatures, it overwinters as pupae during the winter season. It can produce up to 2 generations per year.